Libya Interim Leader Arrives In Tripoli

September 11, 2011 03:29 GMT

Mustafa Abdel Jalil, chairman of the Libyan National Transitional Council

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Libya Interim Leader Arrives In Tripoli

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With fighting still continuing with forces loyal to Muammar Qaddafi, the head of the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) has flown into the Libyan capital for the first time since his forces ended Qaddafi's 42-year rule.

Speaking on September 10 at the Tripoli airport, NTC Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil called for unity and forgiveness among Libyans so work can move forward to rebuild the country.

The interim leader warned, however, that Libya's revolution was not yet complete, noting that Qaddafi had not yet been captured and that three cities -- Bani Walid, Sabha, and Sirte -- remained under the control of pro-Qaddafi forces.

"We are not yet liberated," Jalil told reporters. "Qaddafi still has money and gold. These are the fundamental things that will allow him to find men. We have to realize Qaddafi is not finished yet. We have to focus our efforts on liberating the remaining cities: Bani Walid, Sabha, and Sirte."

Until Jalil's arrival in Tripoli, most leaders of the anti-Qaddafi movement had remained based in the eastern city of Benghazi.

Fighting over Bani Walid, 150 kilometers southeast of Tripoli, was reported on September 10, and unconfirmed reports said NATO aircraft had targeted Qaddafi loyalist forces in the town.

Fighting has also been reported in recent days near Qaddafi's birthplace of Sirte.